T.A.R.A (THANE AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION)

Thursday, January 12, 2006

ORIGIN OF 73...

The following is from Louise Ramsey Moreau, W3WRE: "The traditional expression "73" goes right back to the beginning of the landline telegraph days. It is found in some of the earliest editions of the numerical codes, each with a different definition, but each with the same idea in mind - it indicated that the end, or signature, was coming up. But there are no data to prove that any of these were used.

"The first authentic use of 73 is in the publication The National Telegraphic Review and Operators' Guide, first published in April 1857. At that time, 73 meant "My love to you"! Succeeding issues of this publication continued to use this definition of the term. Curiously enough, some of the other numerals used then had the same definition as they have now, but within a short time, the use of 73 began to change. "In the National Telegraph Convention, the numeral was changed from the Valentine-type sentiment to a vague sign of fraternalism. Here, 73 was a greeting, a friendly "word" between operators and it was so used on all wires.

"In 1859, the Western Union Company set up the standard "92 Code." A list of numerals from one to 92 was compiled to indicate a series of prepared phrases for use by the operators on the wires. Here, in the 92 Code, 73 changes from a fraternal sign to a very flowery "accept my compliments,"which was in keeping with the florid language of that era. "Over the years from 1859 to 1900, the many manuals of telegraphy show variations of this meaning. Dodge's The Telegraph Instructor shows it merely as "compliments." The Twentieth Century Manual of Railways and Commercial Telegraphy defines it two ways, one listing as "my compliments to you"; but in the glossary of abbreviations it is merely "compliments."

Theodore A. Edison's Telegraphy Self-Taught shows a return of "accept my compliments." By 1908, however, a later edition of the Dodge Manual gives us today's definition of "best regards" with a backward look at the oldermeaning in another part of the work where it also lists it as "compliments."

"Best regards" has remained ever since as the "put-it-down-in-black-and-white" meaning of 73 but it has acquired overtones of much warmer meaning. Today, amateurs use it more in the manner that James Reid had intended that it be used - a "friendly word between operators." I hope that this helps you in some way....

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

TARA FIELD TRIP AT YEOOR

Sunday 8 Jan '06. All reached at venue YEOOR HILLS in two batches by 0745 hrs. Without wasting any time we started assembling the antenna. There were about 25-30 of TARAiets from both the batches and the seniors members of the groups.

When we went up it was a bit chilly some were wearing sweaters and pullovers. But once everybody got into action and in 15-20 minutes the sun came up brightly and it was as a usual day heat. The setting up of antenna , the transceiver and checking the SWR readings was ready in about 90 minutes but by then there was power cut from 0900 hrs to 1100 hrs.

So as told in our lectures as to how HAMS used to go for field jobs and use the battery packs, we had to take supply from the Bolero car battery of VU2IZO. Finally, we setup everything, VU2SWS Sarla Sharma spoke to a HAM in Madagaskar. We all also had a QSO with VU2AB Mr. Ram in Chennai. Courtesy Sarla Sharma, all SWLs were able to have a short QSO with Mr. Ram in Chennai.We had a very senior ham Mr. George VU2GT who gave us a very informative talk on Antennas. In between we had the ever refreshing breakfast and tea and a sumptuous lunch at 2.00pm. The entire group is thankful to the SENIORS, THE NITINs (Mr. Nitin Karnik from Ghatkopar and Mr. Nitin from Kolhapur) who had come fully equipped for fixing the antenna and the power supply from car battery. Last but not the least, we are obliged to VU2IZO MICKY KORDE for all the arrangements that he made (from the pin to the pillar, so to say) taking care of every minute details and things reqd for a field trip single handedly.

ALL members had a wonderful field day on the 8th of Jan 2006, at Yeour,Thane .Everything started on time and all programmes went like clockwork.VU2GT, OM George, was the guest for the day and he talked to us aboutantennae, explaining about them in the simplest possible manner,making it very interesting for all.Antennae for 20 and 40 metres were erected and contact was establishedwith VU and dx stations, in SSB and digital modes.As usual OM Mickey, VU2IZO excelled in the organisation!!!And allparticipants had a great time.I hope we have many such events in the future.

compiled by,VU2SWS, YL Sarla Sharma.

***************************************Have a look at the actions clips in the flash board. Courtesy Sailin.***************************************

"You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat.You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles.Do you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat.
--Albert Einstein